Hydraulic pulse, scale-blocked-pipe cleaner

ABSTRACT

A cylindrical vessel has a multiple part bellows positioned axially therein. An axially positioned rod extends into the vessel and through the bellows from one end and is attached to the other end of the bellows. The end of the rod exterior of the vessel is connected to a crank driven by a variable speed motor. Piping connects the interior of the vessel with a hot water pipe to be cleaned of scale. By expanding and contracting the bellows, impulses are applied to the water which act to remove the scale from the pipe.

atet 1 Dec. 3, 1974 HYDRAULIC PULSE, SCALE-BLOCKED-PIIPE CLEANER CharlesA. Moore, 112 W. 193rd St., Mokena, 111. 60448 Filed: May 18, 1973 Appl.No.: 361,574

Inventor:

U.S. Cl 1/256, 134/169 C, 134/196 Int. Cl E03d 1l/00, B08b 9/02 Field ofSearch 4/255, 256, 257; 134/22 C, 134/24, 166 C, 167 C, 168 C, 169 C,195, 134/196, 197

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1920 Ustrzycki et a1 4/25510/1941 Kling 4/256 UX 10/1951 l-lamlett... 4/256 12/1957 Erling 134/169C X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 288,586 9/1931 Italy 4 255 PrimaryExaminerR0bert L. Bleutge Attorney, Agent, or FirmDarbo, Robertson &Vandenburgh 7 ABSTRACT A cylindrical vessel has a multiple part bellowspositioned axially therein. An axially positioned rod extends into thevessel and through the bellows from one end and is attached to the otherend of the bellows. The end of the rod exterior of the vessel isconnected to a crank driven by a variable speed motor. Piping connectsthe interior of the vessel with a hot water pipe to be cleaned of scale.By expanding and contracting the bellows, impulses are applied to thewater which act to remove the scale from the pipe.

19 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEL DEC 3 I974 SHEET 1 W 2 HYDRAULICPULSE, SCALE-BLOCKED-PIPE CLEANER BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational view ofan embodiment of the invention being connected to a hot water pipeserving a bathtub;

FIG. 2 is a view taken at line 2-2 of FIG. 1 with the side coverremoved;

FIG. 3 is a section taken at line 3-3 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal section through the impulsegenerator.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT The following disclosure is offeredfor public dissemination in return for the grant of a patent. Althoughit is detailed to ensure adequacy and aid understanding,

this is not intended to prejudice that purpose of a pa-' tent which isto cover each new inventive concept therein no matter how others maylater disguise it by variations in form or additions or furtherimprovements.

For purposes of illustration the embodiment is depicted in connectionwith a hot water line serving a bathtub 10. The service piping of such atub comprises a hot water line l2 and a cold water line ll. Each ofthese connects to a respective end of a manifold 14 having valves at theend to control the water flow from the service pipes to the center ofthe manifold. Usually the water lines will be provided with air chamber16. At the center of the manifold there is a pipe 17 leading to a tankfilling head 18. There is also likely to be a pipe 19 which leads to ashower extension pipe 20, in which event the filling head 18 has adiverter arm as illustrated.

Assuming that a hot water pipe 12 has become clogged with scale to anextent that only a trickle of water can flow therethrough, the cleaningoperation as performed by me is to connect up to the clogged pipe. Thiscan be performed by removing the hot water valve parts from manifold 14and replacing them with an adapter and valve 25. Alternatively spout l8is removed, and a valve (like 25) connected to the pipe 18 which hadserved the spout. The shower head is removed from pipe and replaced witha valve 23. The hot water valve on manifold 14 is opened. In eitherevent, the hose 26 connects from the hot water connection, e.g. valve25, to an impulse generator by which periodic positive and negativeimpulses are applied to the water column extending through hot waterpipe 12.

Valve 23 is employed to remove air from the pipe 19.

It is desired to have as few air pockets as possible communicating withthe water column being impulsed since these impair the abilitytoeffectively impulse that water column. However I have found that one ortwo air columns 16 are not sufficient to materially impair the process.Initially the impulses applied to the water column are relatively slow,e.g., 30-60 cycles per minute. These commence breaking the scale looseand thus the passage through the badly scaled hot water pipe commencesto open up. As this happens, the frequency of the impulses should beincreased. It is desirable to have the impulses applied at the naturalresonant frequency of the system being impulsed. These impulses, plusthe abrasive action of the loosened scale in the pipe serve to dislodgefurther scale. The process is continued until the pipe is clean. Whilethis takes time, it is a much less expensive process than attempting toremove and replace the piping. Also it is a much easier and moresatisfactory process than attempting to clean the pipes with acid.

As thus far described the process is prior art. The followingdescription relates to the novel apparatus I have devised for carryingout this process.

The illustrated embodiment comprises a housing, generally 28. At thebottom end this housing is supported by a pair of wheels 29 and a foot30. At the upper end are a pair of small wheels 31 to facilitate movingthe housing when it is necessary to have it positioned horizontally. Atthe top is a hinged cover 32 to provide access to a control panel 33.One side 34 is removably affixed (as by means of screws) so that accessmay be had to the interior of the housing should servicing be necessary.

Within the housing is an impulse generator generally 37. This impulsegenerator comprises a vessel formed by cylindrical tube 38 and top andbottom caps 39 and 40 threaded thereon using tapered pipe threads. Thusthe vessel defines a chamber 41. Within the chamber is a bellows device(serving as an expansile means) comprising a plurality of individualstainless steel bellows 45. The bottom end of the lower bellows 45 issecured to a bottom cap member 46. The upper end of the upper bellows 45is secured to a top cap member 47. This top cap member 47 is threadedinto cap 39. In turn it holds a bushing 48 to provide a bearing forshaft 52. The bottom cap member 46 is threaded onto rod 52 as seen at54. This connection is a water tight seal. Also threaded onto the rod isa guide nose 49 which is journaled in a sleeve 50 forming a part of thelower cap 40 so as to axially align the bottom end of the bellows whilepermitting it to reciprocate.

Intermediate each of the individual bellows 45 is an annular connectormember 51 which is secured to each of the adjacent bellows. Theseintermediate connector members are journaled on a rod 52 and haveopenings 53 therethrough so that fluid (air) can pass from the(otherwise closed) interior of each individual bellows to the (otherwiseclosed) interior of the next adjacent individual bellows. The upper capmember 47 has openings 55 from the interior of the bellows to theexterior of the vessel to permit fluid (air) to move freely in and outof the interior of the bellows. This also provides relief should abellows fail and the interior thereof fill with water.

A crank mechanism generally 58 is secured to the upper end of rod 52 toreciprocate the rod. This mechanism comprises a circular disc 59eccentrically mounted on shaft 60 and attached thereto. A hoop 61encircles disc 59 and has the disc journaled therein. The rod 52 isthreaded into the hoop. Thus as shaft 60 rotates, the disc serves as acam to move the hoop (and thus the rod) up and down. This is not solelya vertical motion; therefore the lower cap 40 of the vessel is journaledon a pin 62. Pin 62 is mounted on a metal frame 64 forming a part of thehousing.

Shaft 60 is journaled in bearings 66 secured to frame 64. A sprocket 67is also attached to the shaft. A variable speed motor 68 is mounted onframe 64. The output shaft of the motor carries a sprocket 69. Sprockets67 and 69 are connected by a chain 70. The speed of the output shaft ofthe motor can be varied by means of a control 71 mounted on controlpanel 33.

Conduit means are employed to connect the impulse generator 37 to thehot water pipe to be cleaned and to a drain. This conduit means includesa pipe 73 which connects to hose 26. At the end of this pipe 73 (withseveral intermediate elbows) is a tee 74. Extending from one side of thetee is a hose 76 which in turn connects to an elbow 77 on the impulsegenerator 37. Within elbow 74 is a screen 75 which permits free flowvertically through the elbow but which screens the water flowing to hose76. Within chamber 41, above elbow 77, is a second screen 72. From theother side of the tee a pipe 78 connects to a pressure relief valve 79.The relief valve is set so that it does not open during normaloperation. From the other side of the pressure relief valve (the twosides being in direct communication) there is an elbow 80 and a pipe 81leading to a drain valve 82. At the downstream side of the drain valveis a pipe 83, a tee 84, a pipe 85, an elbow 86, a pipe 87 and a drainhose 88. From the relief outlet of the relief valve 79 a conduit 89connects to tee 84. A tube 90 extends from tee 84 to an air bleedingvalve 91. This valve has a handle accessible above the panel 33. The airbleeding valve connects to a body 92 on'which there is a pressure gauge93. The body 92 also has a tube 94 extending from the body to the topportion of the chamber 41 of the impulse generator 37.

There is an operating handle 95 for drain valve 82. This handle isconnected to the valve by a rod 96. An electrical cord 98 is provided toplug into a convenient electrical outlet to supply the electricity formotor 68. In the electrical circuit leading to motor 68 is a switch 99by which the motor may be turned on and off. The electrical circuit isof a grounded type so that the motor 68, etc., is grounded.

As previously described herein, the impulse generator is connected tothe hot water line to be cleaned by means of hose 26 and such othersuitable plumbing fittings as may be required for the particularconnection. The hose 88 is directed to a suitable drain (in theillustrated embodiment it is merely dropped into the bathtub).Electrical cord 98 is plugged into an electrical outlet. The hot watersupply for the pipe to be cleaned is turned on. The static waterpressure should preferably be at least lbs. per square inch and a moreeffective cleaning job is attained if the water pressure is greater thanthat. At 40 lbs./sq. in. (which oftentimes is the city suppliedpressure) the cleaning is good and at 80 lbs./sq. in. it is better yet.The valve 23 in the shower head (if used) is opened briefly to dischargeany air. Valve 82 is opened sufficiently long to remove any trapped airand then closed. Valve 91 is opened to remove any trapped air and-thenclosed.

The motor 68 is then started whereupon the bellows apparatus in theimpulse generator supplies periodic positive and negative impulses tothe water in chamber 41. That is, as the rod 52 descends (FIG. 4) thebellows expands and a positive (increasing pressure) impulse is appliedto the water in chamber 41 and as the rod 52 goes upwardly the bellowscontracts and a negative (decreasing pressure) impulse is applied to thewater in the chamber. These impulses are transmitted through the waterin the conduit means to the hot water pipe to be cleaned. As thecleaning process proceeds the speed of the motor is periodicallyadjusted to obtain (as nearly as possible) resonant impulsing of thewater column. By observing pressure gauge 93 and adjusting the speed sothat the pressure variations are the greatest, the speed equating toresonance is obtained. It may be desirable to occasionally, particularlyduring the early stages, open air valve 91 to make sure that there is notrapped air in the system. When the hot water pipe has been adequatelycleaned, valve 82 is opened to permit the water from the hot water pipeto flow out the drain hose 88. The scale that was loosened during thecleaning process will be flushed out through hose 88 along with thewater being discharged. Pressure relief valve 79 is employed to guardagainst damage in the event that loose scale in the pipe results inblockage.

I claim:

1. In an apparatus for cleaning scale from the inside of a water pipehaving water therein, said apparatus comprising an impulse generator forproducing periodic positive and negative water pulses, means forconnecting the impulse generator to the pipe for free communicationbetween the impulse generator and the water in said pipe so that thewater in the pipe is pulsed positively and negatively whereby the pipeis cleaned by said pulses in conjunction with the abrasive action of theloosened scale in said pipe, the improvement wherein said generatorcomprises:

a closed vessel defining a chamber in communication with said pipe;expansile means within said chamber for changing the volume of waterwithin the chamber as said means expands and contracts, said expansilemeans defining an enclosed interior space having fluid therein, theexterior of the expansile means being in contact with the water in saidchamber, means communicating with the interior space of the expansilemeans and the exterior of said chamber for permitting the fluid to flowin and out of said expansile means as the expansile means expands andcontracts; and

power means connected to said expansile means to periodically expand andcontract said expansile means.

2. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 1, including control meansconnected to said power means for adjusting the rate at which saidexpansile means expands and contracts.

3. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said chamber has anuppermost part, and including an air bleeding device connected to saidvessel and communicating with said uppermost part for removing airaccumulations from said part.

4. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 3, including conduit meansconnected to said vessel and having a portion extending from said vesseland adapted to be connected to said pipe for supplying said watercommunication therebetween, a drain connection, a drain valve, saidconduit means extending from said portion to said valve and then fromthe valve to said drain connection, a pressure relief valve in saidconduit means upstream of said drain valve and having a dischargeconnection, and a liquid conduit extending from said dischargeconnection to said conduit means downstream of said drain valve.

5. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 4, including a pressure gaugeconnected in communication with the water in said apparatus to indicatethe pulses in the water, said air bleeding device being connected todischarge into said conduit means downstream of said drain valve, saidconduit means all being at a lower elevation than said uppermost part.

6. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 5, including a housing, saidvessel, said power means, and all of said conduit means except for saiddrain and pipe connections being within said housing, said control meansand said gauge being exposed at the top of said housing, includingoperating means connected to said drain valve and having a handleexposed at the top of the housing, said air bleeding device including avalve having a handle exposed at the top of the housing, said housinghaving wheels on which it may be moved about.

7. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said expansile meanscomprises a bellows device having two ends, one end bearing against apart of the vessel, said power means being connected to the other end tomove said other end toward and away from said one end.

8. ln an apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said power meansincludes a rod extending through the side of said vessel, said one endand the interior of said bellows device and being connected to the otherend of the bellows device, and crank means connected to said rod at theend thereof externally of said vessel for reciprocating said rod.

9. In an apparatus as set forth in claim ll, wherein said expansilemeans comprises a bellows device.

10. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said bellows devicehas two ends, one end bearing against a part of the vessel, said powermeans being connected to the other end to move said other end toward andaway from said one end.

ll. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein said power meansincludes a rod extending through the side of said vessel, said one endand the interior space of said bellows device and being connected to theother end of the bellows device, and crank means connected to said rodat the end thereof externally of said vessel for reciprocating said rod.

12. In an apparatus as set forth in claim ll, wherein said vessel iscylindrical about an axis, said rod being axially positioned, saidbellows device comprising a plurality of individual bellows and aplurality of annular connector members alternating with the individualbellows, said connector members being journaled on said rod, and anannular cap member at said other end and secured to said rod,

means interconnecting said cap member and the adjacent end of saidvessel and guiding said cap for movement along said axis.

13. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said chamber hasan uppermost part, and including an air bleeding device connected tosaid vessel and communicating with said uppermost part for removing airaccumulations therefrom.

14. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 12, including conduit meansconnected to said vessel and having a portion extending from said vesseland adapted to be connected to said pipe for supplying said watercommunication therebetween, a drain connection, a drain valve, saidconduit means extending from said portion to said valve and then fromthe valve to said drain connection, a pressure relief valve in saidconduit means upstream of said drain valve and having a dischargeconnection, and a liquid conduit extending from said dischargeconnection to said conduit means downstream of said drain valve.

15. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said one end ofthe bellows device is unitary with the adjacent end of the vessel, andsaid means for permitting fluid to flow in and out of said bellowsdevice comprises an air passageway extending through said unitary end ofthe bellows and vessel.

16. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said bellows devicecomprises a plurality of individual bellows and a plurality of annularconnector members, with a connector member being positioned between twobellows, said bellows being formed of stainless steel.

17. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 1, including conduit meansconnected to said vessel and having a portion extending from said vesseland adapted to be connected to said pipe for supplying said watercommunication therebetween, a drain connection, a drain valve, saidconduit means extending from said portion to said valve and then fromthe valve to said drain connection, a pressure relief valve in saidconduit means upstream of said drain valve and having a dischargeconnection, and a liquid conduit extending from said dischargeconnection to said conduit means downstream of said drain valve.

18. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 17, including a pressure gaugeconnected in communication with the water in said apparatus to indicatethe pulses in the water, and an air bleeding device connected to saidvessel and to said conduit means downstream of said drain valve forbleeding air from said vessel to said drain connection, said conduitmeans all being at a lower elevation than said uppermost part.

19. ln an apparatus as set forth in claim 18, including a housing, saidvessel, said power means, and all of said conduit means except for saiddrain and pipe connections being within said housing, said control meansand said gauge being exposed at the top of said housing, includingoperating means connected to said drain valve and having a handleexposed at the top of the housing, said air bleeding device including avalve having a handle exposed at the top of the housing, said housinghaving wheels on which it may be moved about.

UN ITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,85l,342 I Dat d December 3 1974 Invent r( Charles A MOOfe It iscertified thet error-appears in the above-identified'patentand that saidLetters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below: I

11206 West 193rd Street Inventor's address should read t Mokena,Illinois 60448-- Signed and seal-ed this 11th day of February 1975.

(SEAL) Attest: v

. Y c. MARSHALL DANN RUTH C MASON mi sioner of Patents- Attestlngofficer and Trademarks FORM po-wso (ad-s9) uscdMwbc 5 11.5. GOVERNMENTPRINTING pFFlC E: I969 0-366-33

1. In an apparatus for cleaning scale from the inside of a water pipehaving water therein, said apparatus comprising an impulse generator forproducing periodic positive and negative water pulses, means forconnecting the impulse generator to the pipe for free communicationbetween the impulse generator and the water in said pipe so that thewater in the pipe is pulsed positively and negatively whereby the pipeis cleaned by said pulses in conjunction with the abrasive action of theloosened scale in said pipe, the improvement wherein said generatorcomprises: a closed vessel defining a chamber in communication with saidpipe; expansile means within said chamber for changing the volume ofwater within the chamber as said means expands and contracts, saidexpansile means defining an enclosed interior space having fluidtherein, the exterior of the expansile means being in contact with thewater in said chamber, means communicating with the interior space ofthe expansile means and the exterior of said chamber for permitting thefluid to flow in and out of said expansile means as the expansile meansexpands and contracts; and power means connected to said expansile meansto periodically expand and contract said expansile means.
 2. In anapparatus as set forth in claim 1, including control means connected tosaid power means for adjusting the rate at which said expansile meansexpands and contracts.
 3. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 2,wherein said chamber has an uppermost part, and including an airbleeding device connected to said vessel and communicating with saiduppermost part for removing air accumulations from said part.
 4. In anapparatus as set forth in claim 3, including conduit means connected tosaid vessel and having a portion extending from said vessel and adaptedto be connected to said pipe for supplying said water communicationtherebetween, a drain connection, a drain valve, said conduit meansextending from said portion to said valve and then from the valve tosaid drain connection, a pressure relief valve in said conduit meansupstream of said drain valve and having a discharge connection, and aliquid conduit extending from said discharge connection to said conduitmeans downstream of said drain valve.
 5. In an apparatus as set forth inclaim 4, including a pressure gauge connected in communication with thewater in said apparatus to indicate the pulses in the water, said airbleeding device being connected to discharge into said conduit meansdownstream of said drain valve, said conduit means all being at a lowerelevation than said uppermost part.
 6. In an apparatus as set forth inclaim 5, including a housing, said vessel, said power means, and all ofsaid conduit means except for said drain and pipe connections beingwithin said housing, said control means and said gauge being exposed atthe top of said housing, including operating means connected to saiddrain valve and having a handle exposed at the top of the housing, saidair bleeding device including a valve having a handle exposed at the topof the housing, said housing having wheels on which it may be movedabout.
 7. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein saidexpansile means comprises a bellows device having two ends, one endbearing against a part of the vessel, said power means being connectEdto the other end to move said other end toward and away from said oneend.
 8. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said powermeans includes a rod extending through the side of said vessel, said oneend and the interior of said bellows device and being connected to theother end of the bellows device, and crank means connected to said rodat the end thereof externally of said vessel for reciprocating said rod.9. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said expansile meanscomprises a bellows device.
 10. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 9,wherein said bellows device has two ends, one end bearing against a partof the vessel, said power means being connected to the other end to movesaid other end toward and away from said one end.
 11. In an apparatus asset forth in claim 10, wherein said power means includes a rod extendingthrough the side of said vessel, said one end and the interior space ofsaid bellows device and being connected to the other end of the bellowsdevice, and crank means connected to said rod at the end thereofexternally of said vessel for reciprocating said rod.
 12. In anapparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said vessel is cylindricalabout an axis, said rod being axially positioned, said bellows devicecomprising a plurality of individual bellows and a plurality of annularconnector members alternating with the individual bellows, saidconnector members being journaled on said rod, and an annular cap memberat said other end and secured to said rod, means interconnecting saidcap member and the adjacent end of said vessel and guiding said cap formovement along said axis.
 13. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 12,wherein said chamber has an uppermost part, and including an airbleeding device connected to said vessel and communicating with saiduppermost part for removing air accumulations therefrom.
 14. In anapparatus as set forth in claim 12, including conduit means connected tosaid vessel and having a portion extending from said vessel and adaptedto be connected to said pipe for supplying said water communicationtherebetween, a drain connection, a drain valve, said conduit meansextending from said portion to said valve and then from the valve tosaid drain connection, a pressure relief valve in said conduit meansupstream of said drain valve and having a discharge connection, and aliquid conduit extending from said discharge connection to said conduitmeans downstream of said drain valve.
 15. In an apparatus as set forthin claim 11, wherein said one end of the bellows device is unitary withthe adjacent end of the vessel, and said means for permitting fluid toflow in and out of said bellows device comprises an air passagewayextending through said unitary end of the bellows and vessel.
 16. In anapparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said bellows device comprisesa plurality of individual bellows and a plurality of annular connectormembers, with a connector member being positioned between two bellows,said bellows being formed of stainless steel.
 17. In an apparatus as setforth in claim 1, including conduit means connected to said vessel andhaving a portion extending from said vessel and adapted to be connectedto said pipe for supplying said water communication therebetween, adrain connection, a drain valve, said conduit means extending from saidportion to said valve and then from the valve to said drain connection,a pressure relief valve in said conduit means upstream of said drainvalve and having a discharge connection, and a liquid conduit extendingfrom said discharge connection to said conduit means downstream of saiddrain valve.
 18. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 17, including apressure gauge connected in communication with the water in saidapparatus to indicate the pulses in the water, and an air bleedingdevice connected to said vessel and to said conduit means downstream ofsaid drain valve for bleeding air from said vessel to saId drainconnection, said conduit means all being at a lower elevation than saiduppermost part.
 19. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 18, includinga housing, said vessel, said power means, and all of said conduit meansexcept for said drain and pipe connections being within said housing,said control means and said gauge being exposed at the top of saidhousing, including operating means connected to said drain valve andhaving a handle exposed at the top of the housing, said air bleedingdevice including a valve having a handle exposed at the top of thehousing, said housing having wheels on which it may be moved about.